The number of questions varies by state, from 40 to 50 on most written tests
The permit test is not the same everywhere. Most states ask between 40 and 50 multiple-choice questions on the written knowledge test, but some ask fewer and a handful ask more. The exact number depends on which state you are taking the test in, and sometimes on which testing location you use within that state.
The content of those questions is also different from state to state. Each state's DMV writes its own test based on that state's traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules. A question about a specific traffic law in California might not appear on a test in Texas because the law is different there.
The permit test is separate from the road test (the driving test you take later). This article covers only the written knowledge test you take before you can get your learner's permit.
Key Takeaways
- Most states use 40 to 50 questions on the written permit test, but the exact number varies by state.
- You need to know your state's specific test format before you study, because each state writes its own test based on its own traffic laws.
- The passing score is usually 70 to 80 percent, meaning you can miss 10 to 30 percent of the questions and still pass.
- Some states let you retake the test the same day if you fail, while others require you to wait days or weeks before trying again.
Question counts by state
Here is what you will face in the most populous states. If your state is not listed here, check your state DMV website directly — the number can change when a state updates its test.
| State | Number of Questions | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| California | 46 | 38 correct (83%) |
| Texas | 30 | 21 correct (70%) |
| Florida | 40 | 32 correct (80%) |
| New York | 20 | 14 correct (70%) |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | 15 correct (83%) |
| Ohio | 40 | 30 correct (75%) |
| Georgia | 40 | 30 correct (75%) |
| North Carolina | 40 | 32 correct (80%) |
| Michigan | 50 | 40 correct (80%) |
| Illinois | 35 | 28 correct (80%) |
Notice that some states have far fewer questions than others. New York and Pennsylvania have the shortest tests at 18 to 20 questions. Texas has 30. Most other states cluster around 40 to 50. The passing score also varies — some states require 70 percent correct, others require 80 or even 83 percent.
The number of questions you see may also depend on whether you take the test on paper or on a computer at the DMV office. Some states use different test formats for different locations, though the number of questions usually stays the same.
What the questions cover
Every state's permit test covers the same broad topics: traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and safe driving practices. But the specific questions and the laws they test are different in each state.
For example, California's test includes questions about carpool lanes and specific California Vehicle Code sections. New York's test includes questions about New York's specific traffic laws. If you move from one state to another, you cannot use a permit from one state to study for the test in another state — you have to learn the new state's rules.
Most states also include questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and what to do in an emergency. Some states ask about vehicle maintenance and tire pressure. The best way to know what to expect is to look at your state's official DMV study guide, which is usually free and available on the DMV website.
How to find your state's exact test format
Do not rely on a general number — find out what your state actually uses. Go to your state's DMV website and search for "permit test" or "knowledge test." You should find a page that lists the number of questions, the passing score, and usually a link to a free study guide.
Many states also offer practice tests on their DMV website. These practice tests use the same format and often the same questions as the real test, so taking them is one of the best ways to prepare. Some states let you take the practice test as many times as you want before you take the real test.
If you cannot find the information on your state's main DMV website, call your local DMV office. They can tell you the exact number of questions, how long you have to answer them, and whether you can retake the test the same day if you fail.
Retake rules if you fail
If you do not pass the test, the rules for retaking it depend on your state. Some states let you retake the test the same day or the next day. Others require you to wait a week or longer before you can try again. A few states limit how many times you can retake the test in a certain period.
When you retake the test, you will usually get a different set of questions from the same pool of possible questions. This means you cannot just memorize the answers from your first attempt — you have to actually understand the material.
The fee for retaking the test is usually the same as the fee for taking it the first time, though some states do not charge a retake fee. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to find out whether you will have to pay again.
How much time you have to answer
Most states give you between 30 minutes and one hour to complete the written test, depending on how many questions there are. A test with 40 questions usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you read carefully and think about each answer. A test with 50 questions might take up to an hour.
You do not have to rush. The time limit is generous enough that most people who have studied finish with time to spare. If you do not know an answer, you can usually skip it and come back to it later, though some testing systems do not allow this.
Some states offer the test in multiple languages. If English is not your first language, ask your DMV whether a translated version is available. You may also be able to request extra time if you have a documented disability.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit (also called a learner's license or provisional license, depending on your state). This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it comes with restrictions — you usually cannot drive alone, and there are limits on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you.
You will need to hold your learner's permit for a certain amount of time before you can take the road test (the driving test). This waiting period varies by state, from a few weeks to several months. During this time, you practice driving and build experience before taking the test with an examiner.
Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police and do not have it, you can be cited even if you passed the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test online from home?
Most states require you to take the written test in person at a DMV office or an approved testing location. A few states offer online testing for the written test, but you still have to go to a DMV office for the road test. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online testing is an option where you live.
What happens if I fail the permit test?
You will not get your permit. Most states let you retake the test after a waiting period (usually a few days to a week). You can take the test as many times as you need to pass, though some states cap the number of attempts in a certain time frame. Each attempt usually costs the same fee.
Do I have to memorize all the questions before I take the test?
No. The test is designed to measure whether you understand traffic laws and safe driving, not whether you have a perfect memory. Study the material in your state's official study guide, take practice tests, and focus on understanding why the correct answer is correct. This approach works better than trying to memorize.
Is the permit test the same as the driver's license test?
No. The permit test is the written knowledge test you take first. The driver's license test is the road test (driving test) you take later, after you have practiced with your permit. Some states also have a separate written test for the driver's license, but the permit test comes first.
What if I fail the permit test multiple times?
You can usually keep retaking it until you pass, though some states limit attempts to a certain number per month or year. If you keep failing, spend more time with your state's study guide, take the practice test repeatedly, and consider asking someone to help you study or explain the material in a different way.